Among those killed in the attack was a young girl, reported AFP. A police surgeon at local hospital Ghulam Haider confirmed the six deaths.

The bomb — which was planted on a bicycle outside the public meeting — exploded as the provincial leader of the Awami National Party (ANP), Aurangzaib Kasi, took the stage to speak, according to CNN. Kasi is said to be one of the wounded.

Baluchistan is one of the most deprived areas of Pakistan, reported AFP. In 2004, Baluch rebels rose up and demanded political autonomy. They also wanted a greater share of profits from the oil, gas and mineral resources in the region.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Friday's blast, but authorities believe Kasi was targeted because of his party's platform, which opposes extremism in Pakistan, according to CNN. Kasi's party, locally known as ANP, is the largest Pashtun party. The majority of the party is located in Baluchistan and Sindh provinces.